Oct 23, 2024

Intentional Conscious Parenting: Inspiring And Nurturing Emotional Intelligence

 

nurturing emotional intelligence in children

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage, and express one's emotions in a healthy and constructive way. It's a crucial skill that impacts a child's self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being. 

As parents, we can encourage emotional intelligence by validating our child's emotions. Instead of dismissing their feelings, acknowledge them. Let your child know that it's okay to feel what they're feeling. 

For example, Carol was recently at a homeschooling movie day event with her granddaughter and a group of other homeschoolers. Some of the scenes were emotional invoking strong feelings for some of the children. The children already had an emotional connection to this movie, as they had previously read The Wild Robot together. There were tears shed. All the parents were very supportive allowing the children to continue watching the movie and expressing their feelings. This is how they learn, process, and become in touch with their emotions. 

Oct 15, 2024

Intentional Conscious Parenting: Inspiring And Nurturing Trust

Inspiring and nurturing trust in your parenting

Trust is the bedrock of any relationship and is especially crucial in a parent-child relationship. 

A child who trusts their parent feels safe and secure, knowing they have someone who will always be there for them. 


To foster trust, be consistent in your actions and words. If you make a promise to your child, make sure you keep it. This teaches them that they can rely on you. Don’t make empty promises or threaten unrealistic punishments. 


An important aspect of building trust is creating a safe and nurturing home environment. This means ensuring that your child feels loved, accepted, and secure at home. 


Encourage positive behaviors, reinforce good habits, and provide a reliable routine. 


Avoid harsh criticism or punishment, as these can damage your child's sense of security and trust.

Sep 7, 2024

Intentional Conscious Parenting: Inspiring And Nurturing Connection

Inspiring and nurturing connection

Imagine taking a walk down a path with your child. It's a beautiful sunny day, the flowers are blooming and the sky is blue. 

Every few steps, your child stops to inspect a bug, pick up a leaf, or ask a question, looking to you for guidance. 

How you respond, your attentiveness and your engagement truly matters. It's in those precious moments we get to demonstrate our connectedness. 

Aug 15, 2024

Here Are A Few Questions To Ask Yourself Before Making Your Next Purchase


I'm constantly purging old clothes, unwanted items and making sure my homes energy can flow. When I'm amidst of too much clutter I feel flustered, stuck, and irritable. 

My wish is that if your are feeling the same way you'll ponder why and ask yourself these questions before your next shopping trip. 

Aug 10, 2024

Supporting Children As They Build Their Foundations During Their First 10 Years Of Life

Supporting children as they build their foundations

Welcome to Intentional Conscious Parenting. My name is Carol and I want to share a story with you.

I have three granddaughters. One of them lives with me and the other two visit us regularly throughout the week. They are ages 3, 6 and 7.

Spending as much time with them is on purpose. I know how critical the first 7-10 years of life are for helping children build a strong foundation. Children of all ages need to feel loved, feel seen, have safe spaces, and benefit from a conscious support system. Young children especially need safe spaces to feel and practice their emotions. Along with my dedicated sons, awesome daughter-in-law, close friends, and relatives, all three girls have a wonderful support system and I’m very grateful for this.

At the same time, I know how important my role is. We have powerful life strands and precious bonds. All three girls will walk different paths throughout their lives. My hope is that what they absorb and learn from me will help guide them as they traverse their life adventures. 

We feel raising kids in a present and conscious way is very important. That's why Stacy and I created this blog and wrote our ebook, 10 Ways To Parent Consciously: Parenting In The New Paradigm. Our book is for those seeking to shift from traditional parenting to a more mindful present approach.

Back to my story. Spending time with my granddaughters brings me an incredible amount of joy. We have lots of fun going on adventures and growing together. I thought I would share more often some of the things we like to do.

Last night we had a sleepover and read these four books. 

The hug who got stuck by Andrew Newman (We reviewed this book here on our Intentional Conscious Parenting blog) Andrew brilliantly and lovingly teaches children how to access their hearts and get free from sticky thoughts. If you want to flashback in time with us, watch our interview with Andrew seven years ago. 

The Lovables in the Kingdom of Self-Esteem by Diane Loomans. (I gave this book to my sons in 1992 and read it regularly to them) This book helps children to feel unique, confident, enthusiastic, and loved. 

Jun 2, 2024

25 Fun Summer Activities for Kids

25 summer activities for kids

Summer is the perfect time for kids to enjoy the great outdoors, soak up the sun, and create lasting memories. As a parent, you want to make sure your children have a-filled summer break that is both entertaining and educational. 

From outdoor adventures to creative indoor projects, there is something for every child to enjoy. So get ready for a summer of fun!

To help you plan a summer full of excitement, here are 25 fun summer activities for kids that will keep them engaged and entertained all season long. Be sure to read all the way through or skip to the bottom for a PDF link to save for a handy reminder.

Apr 30, 2024

Teaching Children About The Power Of Their Minds

The following is an excerpt from our eBook, 10 Ways To Parent Consciously; Parenting In The New Paradigm.

Teaching children the power of their thoughts and how to create different outcomes. 

Children are very tuned in to their own needs. The foods they like or don't like, the people they feel comfortable and uncomfortable around. There are reasons for this. They are not being difficult or snobs. They are unaware of this type of behavior until parents, school, society, or friends teach it to them. 

Change is always constant. Teach valuable tools on how to roll with change. Change can be scary for most humans. Their comfort zone is their safe zone. What they don't realize, is that changing something or even going after something they want or feel could be their pot of gold. Their pot of gold could be mental, physical, spiritual, or financial. Some people become stagnant and paralyzed with life until they realize the gift that comes out of change can be freedom. Usually, children are resilient and adapt to change much easier than adults due to their ability to live more in the present moment. 

Teaching Children Gratitude is All About Their Attitude


Teaching children gratitude is all about their attitude but more importantly it's about the parents attitude and the mirror image they portray to their children and the rest of the world to see.

Gratitude is such a brilliant gift that has been bestowed upon us if we choose it. The sophistication of this gift is simple. It is a choice. Be thankful for what you have, who you are and who you can be. It's all about perception. It doesn't matter what societal status you come from, what your wallet has in it or how you were culturally raised. Be thankful for what you have and feel right now in this exact moment in time. 

Feb 25, 2024

Navigating Online Parenting Advice In An AI Driven World

Whenever you become a new parent, everyone seems to have parenting tips to impart upon you. We can remember strangers at the grocery store coming up to us offering their personal stories and advice. Friends, relatives, there’s no shortage of parenting wisdom. We would always keep what resonated and let go of what didn’t. 

In 2024 you not only have the influence and advice from your friends and family, you have digital resources and Ai influence at your fingertips. 


As parents in the digital age, you are constantly bombarded with information on how to raise your children. From parenting blogs to social media groups, to Google searches, the internet is a treasure trove of advice and tips. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, navigating online parenting advice has become more complex than ever before.


With AI algorithms shaping all of our online experiences, it can be overwhelming to sift through the vast amount of information available. It can also be limiting. How do you know which sources are credible? How can you discern between genuine advice and misleading information? These are the questions that many parents grapple with in an era where AI plays a significant role in curating the content consumed.

Jan 12, 2024

How to Continue Nurturing Yourself During The Parenting Process

 

How to continue nurturing yourself during the parenting process

Parenting is a beautiful journey, but it can also be all-consuming. As a parent, it's easy to get caught up in the daily demands and responsibilities of raising a child, and sometimes, we can lose sight of ourselves in the process. It's crucial to remember that you are important and your self-care matters. In this blog post, we will explore various ways to continue nurturing yourself during your parenting process, from incorporating your creative expression into your parenting life to prioritizing self-care as a means of being an example of well-being.

Don't Lose Yourself During Your Parenting Process

Nov 30, 2023

Creating a Joyful and Stress-Free Holiday Season with Family: An Intentional Conscious Parenting Guide

 

The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the joy of spending quality time with loved ones. As parents, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the true spirit of the season. However, by making a conscious effort to stay present and prioritize family time, we can create lasting memories and truly enjoy the holiday season with our children.  How can we make the most of this special time and create a sense of togetherness as a family? Let’s explore some practical tips and strategies for staying present and enjoying the holiday season with our loved ones.  Set Realistic Expectations  During the holiday season, it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to create the perfect experience for our family. We may feel pressured to decorate our homes flawlessly, cook elaborate meals, or find the ideal presents for everyone on our list. However, setting unrealistic expectations can lead to stress and disappointment, taking away from the joy of the season.  Instead, let's focus on what truly matters – the love and connection we share as a family. By setting realistic expectations, we can alleviate unnecessary pressure and allow ourselves to fully enjoy the present moment. This might mean simplifying our holiday decor, opting for a potluck-style meal, or reducing the number of gifts exchanged. Remember, it's the thought and effort that count, not the extravagance.  Furthermore, involving our children in the decision-making process can help them understand the importance of setting realistic expectations. By discussing what is feasible as a family and prioritizing activities that bring us joy, we can create a holiday season that is both enjoyable and stress-free.  Plan Activities Together  One of the best ways to stay present and enjoy the holiday season as a family is by planning activities together. From decorating the Christmas tree to baking cookies, involving our children in the process not only creates lasting memories but also fosters a sense of togetherness.  Sit down with your family and brainstorm a list of activities that everyone can participate in. Whether it's visiting a local holiday market, watching a classic holiday movie, or going ice skating, make sure to choose activities that align with your family's interests and values. By involving our children in the decision-making process, we show them that their opinions and preferences matter, fostering a sense of empowerment and togetherness.  Moreover, remember that the holiday season is not just about the big events but also the small moments of joy and connection. Take the time to savor these special moments – whether it's snuggling up together to read a holiday story, having a home spa day or sharing laughter over a board game. These simple activities can bring us closer as a family and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.  Practice Gratitude  In the midst of the holiday chaos, it's important to take a step back and practice gratitude. Gratitude helps us shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a sense of contentment and appreciation for the present moment.  Encourage your children to express gratitude by creating a daily or weekly gratitude practice. This can be as simple as taking turns around the dinner table to share something you are grateful for or keeping a gratitude journal where each family member writes down three things they are thankful for each day. By practicing gratitude together, we cultivate a positive and appreciative mindset, which can enhance our overall enjoyment of the holiday season.  In addition to practicing gratitude as a family, consider incorporating acts of kindness and giving back to your community into your holiday traditions. This can be volunteering at a local food bank, donating toys to a children's charity, or simply performing random acts of kindness throughout the season. By teaching our children the importance of giving and helping others, we instill values that will stay with them long after the holiday season ends. As a grandmother who takes her granddaughter to visit great grandma often at our local elder care home I’m always in admiration of the volunteers that share joy with the residents. If you and your children play musical instruments consider reaching out and offering to volunteer playing an hour of holiday music, donating home baked cookies or distributing fun holiday crafts. New and used puzzles are often welcomed gifts for the community puzzle table.    Limit Distractions  In today's digital age, it's easy to get caught up in the endless distractions that surround us. However, if we want to truly stay present and enjoy the holiday season with our family, it's important to limit these distractions and create dedicated tech-free time.  Set boundaries around screen time and designate specific times when devices are put away, allowing for uninterrupted family time. Use this time to engage in meaningful conversations, play games, or simply enjoy each other's company. By removing distractions, we can fully immerse ourselves in the present moment and create deeper connections with our loved ones.  Moreover, consider the impact of social media on our perception of the holiday season. It's easy to compare ourselves to picture-perfect images shared online, leading to feelings of inadequacy and discontent. Remember that what we see on social media is often a curated highlight reel, and that true happiness lies in the genuine moments we share with our family.  Create Traditions  Traditions play a crucial role in creating a sense of belonging and continuity in a family. They provide a framework for shared experiences and give us something to look forward to each year. By creating and maintaining holiday traditions, we can deepen our connection as a family and create cherished memories.  Start by reflecting on the traditions you enjoyed as a child and consider how you can adapt or create new traditions that align with your family's values and interests. Whether it's baking holiday treats together, hosting a special movie night, or going on a neighborhood drive to see the holiday lights. Find activities that resonate with your family and make them a part of your yearly tradition.  Remember that traditions can evolve and change over time. As your children grow older, their interests and preferences may shift, and that's okay. Embrace the opportunity to create new traditions and adapt existing ones to accommodate the changing dynamics of your family. What matters most is the sense of togetherness and joy that these traditions bring.  Focus on Quality Time  Amidst the chaos of the holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in the materialistic aspects and forget the true essence of the season – spending quality time with our loved ones. By prioritizing meaningful interactions and creating space for connection, we can truly enjoy the holiday season as a family.  Set aside dedicated time each day or week to spend with your children, free from distractions and obligations. This can be as simple as having a family game night, going for a walk, reading books together or even having a cozy movie night at home. The key is to be fully present and engaged, giving your undivided attention to your children.  Moreover, take the time to engage in meaningful conversations with your children. Ask them about their day, their hopes and dreams, and their favorite holiday memories. By showing a genuine interest in their lives, we deepen our connection and create a safe space for open communication. Some of our best conversations with our kids have been during calm moments right before bed time.   Embrace Imperfections  Lastly, it's important to remember that the holiday season is not about perfection. As parents, we often put immense pressure on ourselves to create the "perfect" holiday experience for our family. However, it's the imperfections that make the season truly special and memorable.  Embrace the messiness, the chaotic moments, and the unexpected mishaps. Laugh together when the gingerbread house collapses or when the cookies come out of the oven slightly burnt. These imperfect moments become the stories we cherish and share for years to come.  Remember, the holiday season provides us the opportunity to create lasting memories, fostering love and connection, and finding joy in the simple moments. By staying present and embracing imperfections, we can create a holiday season that is truly magical for our family.

Staying Present and Enjoying the Holiday Season as a Family

The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the joy of spending quality time with loved ones. As parents, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the true spirit of the season. However, by making a conscious effort to stay present and prioritize family time, we can create lasting memories and truly enjoy the holiday season with our children. How can we make the most of this special time and create a sense of togetherness as a family? Let’s explore some practical tips and strategies for staying present and enjoying the holiday season with our loved ones. Set Realistic Expectations

Oct 27, 2023

Working On Ourselves So We Become Better Parents

Working On Ourselves So We Become Better Parents

When I was thinking about what message I want to share with you today it was clear there's a huge focus on needing to release, go inward and expand beyond all the timelines at play, taking place collectively and individually. 

As the quickening continues creating an incredible amount of swirling unstable energy many of us can feel the energy of excitement or uneasiness in the air. (It all depends on what you are tapping into and your viewpoint.) 

A true metamorphosis is an individual's journey and I feel many of us are on this journey right now individually but also collectively. I myself have been through a crazy rollercoaster of releasing the past few years, from processing loved ones behaviors, being present through the final years of a loved ones journey, being surrounded by the very young and the very old, and by going through my own very real health scare, I have witnessed multiple timelines and experiences. 

When we work on our inner selves and our own personal growth our outer circumstances begin to change. Chaos can often ensue as you're stirring up stuck beliefs, stuck energy, old baggage and negativity. We are watching this play out on the world stage right now. 

There are four areas I want to draw your attention to as we all go through the next few years of transformation.